The Traditional Duties of a Groom's Best Man

Every groom needs his best man. If you are the best man, you may be a good friend, the best friend, or you may be a brother. No matter your personal relationship with the groom, however, there are some duties that fall within your realm during the process of planning the wedding, and more especially on the wedding day itself. Here are the traditional duties assigned to the best man. Of course, the groom may need a little more help or require less, but as the best man, the groom is counting on you to help him do what needs doing.

During the main planning process, you should discuss the wedding plans with the bride, groom, and the maid (or matron) of honor. This will help you understand what, specifically, the couple needs from you, and will help you establish a working relationship with the head bridal attendant, who also has her own list of duties. You are also responsible for the wedding ushers and other groomsmen. You will need to explain their duties to them, and you will need to make list of people who have special seating arrangements so that the ushers are aware of where to seat them. The best man is also in charge of the bachelor party - but you already knew that.

Just prior to the wedding (five to eight days out), make sure that all of the groom's documents (license, register, passports, visas, reservations, etc.) needed for the wedding and the honeymoon are in order. You should also attend the rehearsal dinner and make sure the ushers are ready to go. If needed, you should arrange for transportation needs of the groom: to the ceremony, from ceremony to reception with bride, and from reception to wherever it is the couple is going to start their honeymoon. Have your hair cut so that you look presentable, and finalize your wedding speech.